Ottawa – A major Jewish organization is insisting on Canada to refuse to enter two bands in the UK after its appearance at a popular British music festival last month.
In late June, the Center for Israel and Jewish Affairs asked the ministers of public safety and immigration to bargain the Irish rap group cancap and English punk rap duo Bob Valn.
Avon and Somerset Police began a criminal investigation on 25 June after reviewing the video footage of their performance at the Glstonbury Festival in the UK.
Bob Waln led a mantra of “IDF for death” in the context of Israel’s army at the Glestonbury Festival. A member of the Kneecap was accused of earlier allegedly accused of displaying a Hizbullah flag in alleged performance on a terrorism.
CIJA states that they violate the incidents “Canadian disgusting speech laws” and oppose “our basic values”. It is urging supporters to write the government in support of the ban.
Kneecap is scheduled to play in Toronto and Vancouver in October.
The US State Department on June 30 canceled the visa issued to members of Bob Valn. State Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau said on social media that the US “acted due to hateful arms in Glstonbury, including the mantras of death to lead the mob.”
“Those who glorify foreign violence and hatred do not welcome visitors in our country,” he said.
Liberal MP Anthony Housefather welcomed the decision of the US visa and said that Canada should follow the suit on the same day. He said that he also raised the issue with Public Safety Minister Gary Anandsangari.
A spokesperson of the Immigration Minister Leena Diab said that the government cannot comment on personal matters due to the privacy law.
Those wishing to enter Canada must meet the requirements under the immigration and refugee Protection Act, said Matthew Krrupovich.
“Each case is individually evaluated. Admission to Canada can be denied several reasons, including security, human or international rights violations, or concerns related to criminal activity,” he said.
In a statement, CIJA stated that he had not heard back from Anandsangari or Diab and the situation raises the question about whether the existing Canadian laws would be implemented to block the entry of foreigners who glorify violence in Canada.
This report of Canadian Press was first published on 14 July 2025.
Anja Kardgliza, Canadian Press
